WHISTLE START PROCEDURE 

[CSI Homepage] [Main Officials Page]

• The Starter will announce the beginning of each event (event #, gender, age, event and heats).

• The Referee signals the swimmers to get behind the blocks and ready to step up/in by blowing a short series of whistle "chirps" (4 or more).  This is done once the final swimmer in the previous heat has finished and indicates to the previous heat to exit the pool.

• The Referee signals the swimmers to step up onto the blocks or into the water by blowing one long whistle blast and for backstroke, a second long whistle blast when the referee is ready to have swimmers return to the wall and place their feet.  There will only be one announcement for a no show swimmer.

• When ready, the Referee will signal with an out-stretched arm to the Starter.  This action closes the heat.

• The Starter will wait until the swimmers are settled, then request that the swimmers take their starting position ("Take Your Mark").  No other words will be spoken (this is the goal).

• When the swimmers are motionless, the start signal is given (traditional).

• Any problems with the start procedures will be handled as they were before.

[CSI Homepage] [Top] [Main Officials Page]